"Dr." Bill Sysak, Beer Week's unofficial emcee

ESCONDIDO  If the Smithsonian ever opens a Beer Annex, it will resemble “Dr.” Bill Sysak’s garage. On his shelves, collectible brews are stacked four-, five-, six-pack deep. There’s a 55-year-old bottle of Maredsous 8, a Belgian brown ale; one of the first bottles of Cuvee de Tomme, perhaps San Diego brewmaster Tomme Arthur’s most celebrated beer; magnums of tart ales from Brussels’ legendary Cantillon.

“There are about 1,200 bottles here,” said Sysak. “And I’m storing about 800 to 1,000 in a buddy’s place now.”

But that just splashes the surface of his liquid inventory. The 50-year-old beverage supervisor and “beer ambassador” at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Sysak has quaffed more beer (an estimated 40,000 pints), visited more breweries (500-plus in Germany alone) and soaked up more brewabilia than just about any non-brewer in the world.

“There are many imitators, but this gent is the original,” said David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker Brewing in Paso Robles. “Few can match him for his cellar, palate and energy.”

As a connoisseur, he enjoys a national reputation. “I’d put him right there at the top,” said Chris Black, co-owner of Denver’s Falling Rock Taphouse. “And he’s probably one of the best people out there for pairing beer with food.”

Sysak’s skills will be on full display during San Diego Beer Week, which begins today and runs through Nov. 11. From this morning’s rare beer breakfast to Nov. 10’s “Saison Saturday,” he’ll eat, drink, lecture, schmooze, then repeat — over and over.

“I’m very excited,” he said.

And very busy. Sysak is Beer Week’s unofficial master of ceremonies.

Floating across Europe

Common story: As a teen, growing up in Garden Grove, Bill furtively drank fizzy yellow beers — until his father caught him.

Uncommon resolution: Dad struck a deal with his 16-year-old son. No more beer — except those the father purchased and shared with Bill. His father, a World War II veteran who had acquired a taste for German lagers and British ales while campaigning in Europe, was eager to revisit those substantial beers.

Dr' Bill's Beer Week

Sysak’s schedule during the 10-day “week” includes dozens of events. Five of the most notable, all at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido; (760) 294-7866; stonebrew.com